GET AROUND
The not so surprising way I spend my free time, a little about me, life outside of photography and all of my favorite things.
BEHIND THE LENS
about samantha
MORE OF MY STORY
Most days you can find me outside in the garden (glass of cabernet in hand) or hanging out with my bengal cat Atlas. When I'm not photographing the sweetest couples in love, I'm probably working on fixing up our dreamy little farmhouse with my favorite human and husband; Sean.
I'm super laid back, highly organized, lighthearted, and never pass up on a road trip or charcuterie board. Click around and get to know me!
lead photographer
samantha
xoxo,
WHO WE ARE
Once I really put it into perspective that every couple has their own story, it became easier and easier to understand my job. I had to first learn their story before I could be able to tell it through photos. No copying poses off of Pinterest, no stiff rigged stances, just me and my clients; working together to tell the most beautiful stories.
"...and here I am, recently published with a 10 page spread in a major wedding magazine."
I started second shooting weddings when I was home for the summers in college. Once I graduated I knew exactly what I wanted to do, but never really believed I would be good enough to be a full time photographer. Fast forward five years and here I am, recently published with 10 page spread in a major wedding magazine and living the best life I could imagine.
We believe cozy autumn mornings with a cup of coffee on the porch can cure just about anything.
We believe in getting to know our clients, and capturing little glimpses of life that show who they are together.
We believe adventure and travel are needed to discover all of the best pieces of you.
We believe lipstick is the perfect accessory to any outfit - hello, dressing up that messy bun.
We believe in going all-in in everything you do,
in that exact moment, and soaking it all in.
We believe in timeless over trendy. That the Audrey Hepburn kind of beauty will never go out of style.
We believe in true love, that chivalry is not a lost art and that photos are meant to be hung on walls.
We believe it's about
the journey, just as much as the destination.
NEXT SET
Should I even put a description for this one? Cabernet. Cabernet is always the right answer (in moderation of course).
WINE
05. LIFE IS BETTER WITH
We were lucky enough to renovate a 100+ year old abandoned farmhouse! We filmed the whole process with HGTV and you can find it on the gram at @afterhoursfarm.
OUR FARM
04. ADDICTED TO
Every new city or country I go to I feel like I get to find a new part of myself. I think everyone should travel to experience cultures and lifestyles different from their own.
TRAVELING
03. I LOVE
Fully guilty of talking to Atlas like he's a human, feeding him pizza, sharing way too many photos of him and pretending he completely understands every word I say.
ATLAS
02. love my cat
There's no better way to spend a Sunday than with a big brunch or a trip to my town's local breakfast spot (washed down with a few mimosas of course).
SUNDAY BRUNCH
01. I NEVER SKIP
PREVIOUS SET
I grew up outside; playing basketball, softball, volleyball and pretty much any other sport you could imagine with my three brothers. And you better bet Sundays in our house are for football.
TOM BOY
1o. I'm a bit of a
I played college softball all four years in my attendance at Saginaw Valley State University (Go Cards)! We even made it to the college softball world series in 2011.
COLLEGE ATHLETE
09. I WAS A
Now I'm the first to admit - I'm probably EXTREMELY rusty haha but I grew up playing the violin and always thought it had such a timeless sound to it.
VIOLIN
08. Secrert talent: I play
My perfect night out is Sean and I tucked away in a quiet little corner of our local wine bar - They have THE BEST cheese plates in the league.
CHEESE
07. gimme all the
I tell myself every season that I'm not watching. One gourmet cheese plate and a girls night later and I can't believe he kissed three girls the first night!!
THE BACHELOR
06. GUILTY PLEASURE:
THINGS
FAVORITE
a few of my
VENDORS WE LOVE
the best in the biz:
PLANNING: Bunny and June Events, LDT Events, Lo and Co Event Design
FLORAL: Brunette Blossoms, The Flower Alley, Lee Floral Design, TB Floral
VIDEOGRAPHY: Brian and Stacey, The Smiths, Ackerman and Company
DJ: Michaels Entertainment, DJDC Productions
PAPER GOODS: Ciarra Claire, Mackenzie Joan Designs, Alyssa Amez Design
HAIR: Team Glam Detroit, Caidy Marie Beauty
MAKEUP: Andrea Walker, Danielle Paquin, Ashley M Macpherson
CAR RENTAL: Motor City Vintage Rentals, Petrol Vintage
SWEET STUFF: Sweet Heather Anne, Bella e Dolce, Faith's Cookie Co.
Follow along for more of our work, travels, and of course, Atlas our bengal cat.
#samanthaleighbrides #samanthaleightravels